Pench National Park
Madhya Pradesh, India
About Pench National Park
Pench National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offers an unparalleled tiger safari experience in the heart of the Central Indian Highlands. Nature safari in India reaches new heights here, as the park’s unique blend of teak forest and a crucial wildlife corridor connecting with Kanha National Park sets the stage for captivating encounters with majestic tigers and other fascinating creatures.
Embark on an unforgettable tiger safari in India’s Pench National Park, where the robust tiger population, fueled by occasional migrations between Kanha and Pench, creates a thrilling spectacle for visitors. The park’s flourishing Indian Wild Dog population, locally known as Dholes, adds to the excitement, and sightings of the elusive Indian Grey Wolves provide a rare and memorable experience. Witness the grace of Indian Gaurs, a type of bison, as they thrive within the park’s boundaries, adding to the diverse tapestry of wildlife.
The meandering Pench River, complemented by the imposing Totladoh Dam, forms the lifeblood of the park, sustaining the local wildlife and providing a picturesque backdrop for your tiger safari adventure. As you explore, keep an eye out for the park’s avian residents, with nearly 300 different bird species making Pench their home, making it a paradise for bird watchers in India.
For an immersive experience, explore the various entry gates, including Turia, Karmajhiri, Jamtarra, and Rukhad, allowing you to access different facets of the park’s beauty. With entry options from the Maharashtra side, Pench National Park becomes an even more accessible destination for those seeking an enriching tiger safari in India.
Strategically located just a two-hour drive from Nagpur and within reasonable distances from renowned wildlife destinations like Satpura, Kanha, and Tadoba, Pench National Park stands out as an essential stop in any nature safari itinerary. Enhance your wildlife adventure by exploring external links for tiger safari and Taj Mahal tours, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and the thrill of encountering magnificent tigers and leopards. Discover the unique charm of sloth bears and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that makes Pench a jewel in the crown of India’s national parks.
Highlights
- Teak forest.
- Tigers migrate.
- Thriving Dhole population.
- Rare Indian Grey Wolves.
- Abundant Indian Gaur.
- Picturesque Pench River.
- Rich bird diversity.
- Multiple entry gates, easy access from key wildlife destinations.
Related Tiger Safari Tours
Facts about Pench National Park
Area: 1179 sq. km- 411 sq. km is core and 768 sq. km is buffer forest.
Coordinates: Latitude: 21.7630° N, Longitude:79.3391° E
Key Species of Pench National Park
Mammals
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Dogs
- Sambar Deer
- Golden Jackal
- Indian Grey Wolf
- Spotted Deer
- Barking Deer
- Gaur
Birds
- Greater Racket Tailed Drongo
- White Naped Woodpecker
- Indian Paradise Flycatcher
- Lesser Yellow Nape
- Mottled Wood Owl
- Indian Pitta
- Ruddy Shelduck
- Pied Bushchat
- Orange Headed Thrush
- Taiga Flycatcher
Reptiles
- Indian Rock Python
- Spectacled Cobra
- Bengal Monitor Lizard
- Russell’s Viper
- Checkered Keelback
- Common Cat Snake
- Common Wolf Snake
- Common Krait
- Green Keelback
- Common Rat Snake
Safari Zones of Pench National Park
Each park consists of three distinct zones: Core, Buffer, and Reserved. The Core zone serves as the sanctuary for the jungle’s natural state, protecting wildlife and natural resources under the strict supervision of the forest department. In the Buffer zone, animals coexist peacefully with a portion of the human population. Lastly, the Reserved forest zone functions as a virtual boundary for the forest.
It’s important to note that animals within the forest are unaware of these designated “zones” and freely roam throughout their natural habitat. Pench National Park is divided into three Core zones: Touria, Karmajhiri, and Jhamtara, all located in Madhya Pradesh. The remaining two zones, Khursapar and Sillari, are situated in the state of Maharashtra. Touria is the most popular safari zone due to its proximity to various resorts and a higher number of entry tickets, but the other zones also offer equally captivating experiences.
In terms of scheduling, the Madhya Pradesh zones are closed for afternoon safaris on Wednesdays, while the Maharashtra zones do not conduct safaris on Tuesdays.
Reaching Pench National Park
Train
Reaching Pench by Train is simple too. Trains to Nagpur Railway Station – 100 km and Jabalpur Railway Station – 190 km from the park, run from major cities in the country, like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata etc. One can drive to Pench National Park post this point.
Flight
Pench is a jungle, naturally not having an air strip. However, it is well connected to cities in Madhya Pradesh, that do. Nagpur – 100 kms and Jabalpur – 200 kms from the park, are well connected by air with major cities in the country, i.e. New Delhi and Mumbai.
Road
Pench is connected to major towns in Madhya Pradesh, that can be travelled to by air or by train.
Nagpur: At a mere distance of 100 kms, Nagour is just a 02 hour drive from the Park.
Jabalpur: At a mere distance of 200 kms, Jabalpur is just a 04-04.5 hour drive from the Park.
Weather and Clothing
- DO NOT carry shiny/bright colored clothing. Instead, carry earthy colors like shades of dull green or olive green, beige, and grey. Black is also avoidable as it attracts mosquitos.
- Carry comfortable, breathable clothes (cotton) in summer.
- Carry layers (4-5) of thin woolen clothes rather than one heavy jacket for winter. Layers are a lot more helpful through the varying temperatures during the day.
- Carry a wind cheater/rain coat just in case there is a light shower.
- Carry a Cap/Hat during summer.
- Avoid wearing strong perfume while on safari. Animals have a strong sense of smell and it may distract them.
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FAQ
Pench National Park is situated in the central part of India, straddling the states of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Pench National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and being an important tiger reserve.
Yes, Pench offers thrilling tiger safaris, providing a chance to spot these majestic big cats in their natural habitat.
You can book a tiger safari through the official website or by contacting the park authorities directly.
The best time for tiger sightings is during the dry season, from November to May, when animals gather around water sources.
Pench is home to various wildlife, including leopards, deer, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.
Yes, there are resorts and lodges near the park entrance that offer comfortable accommodations.
Pench is divided into core, buffer, and reserved zones. Touria, Karmajhiri, and Jhamtara are core zones in Madhya Pradesh, while Khursapar and Sillari are in Maharashtra.
Yes, the Madhya Pradesh zones are closed for afternoon safaris on Wednesdays, while the Maharashtra zones do not conduct safaris on Tuesdays.
Pench National Park plays a vital role in tiger conservation and biodiversity preservation, serving as a significant national park in India that safeguards its natural ecosystems